Going back and forth between our world and the demon realm made me realize that time flowed differently—one week in the demon realm was roughly 14 hours in the human world.
So, when I returned, it was still the same day I had left. But instead of heading back to Eldoria, I teleported straight from the demon realm to the Zephandria Kingdom.
There was no time to waste. I had to face the first Guardian of the Ascension Key and return home within three days—before the academy resumed on the fourth. Mom would worry if I didn’t make it back in time.
From Zephandria, I didn’t stop. Using my map as a guide, I soared through the sky with my new spell, moving faster than I had in the demon realm. Maybe it was because the air here was fresh, untainted by demonic miasma.
Rin flew beside me, dressed in a hoodie so people wouldn’t see her horns as we cut through the sky with ease.
Though the spell didn’t drain my magic, flying nonstop was exhausting. By the time the sun began to rise, I realized we had spent the entire night in the air. Finally, we spotted a small village and decided to take a break.
Something felt off the moment we arrived. The place was eerily quiet—no guards at the entrance, no signs of life beyond a few thin, sickly-looking villagers.
As we strolled through the settlement in search of an inn, a child in a tattered dress ran past, clutching a small bucket of water.
I was parched. I stopped her. "Hey, kid. Can I have some water?"
She hesitated, looking up at me with hollow, tear-filled eyes. Her messy black hair obscured most of her face, but as a doctor, I could tell—she wasn’t well. Her pupils were dark, her gaze empty.
She handed me the bucket. The water inside was filthy.
I used Divine Protection to purify it before drinking. After letting Rin take a sip, I returned the bucket, now half full but crystal clear.
[Skill: Divine Protection leveled Up!]
I ignored the notification as l watched the little girl with widened eyes. "Mister? W-what did you do to the water?"
"Nothing serious, kiddo," I said, patting her shoulder. "Would you mind telling me where I can find an inn?"
She studied us for a moment. "You’re visitors, aren’t you?"
I nodded.
"Good thing you found me! I’m the village chief’s daughter. Follow me—I’ll take you to my parents!"
I saw no reason to refuse, so I followed her.
She led us into a large house, where an overweight man lounged on a cushion, two scantily clad women draped over him.
"Father, I brought travelers," the girl said, bowing.
The man smirked. "Good girl." Then he bellowed toward another room, "Maids! Give Mabel a piece of bread for her hard work!"
Mabel cast me a glance—one I couldn’t quite decipher. It was a mix of sadness, gratitude, and something else.
The man turned his attention to us. "Welcome to Gasita Village. I am Alexander Bampino, the chief."
His eyes flicked between Rin and me, scrutinizing us in a way that made my skin crawl.
"Thank you, sir," I said, sitting down. "I’m Asher Reynolds, and this is my sister, Rin. We’re on our way to Felmora Kingdom, but we need a place to rest before continuing."
"Felmora, huh?" Alexander drawled, grinning as the women beside him caressed his chest. "This village is under Felmora’s protection. I’d be happy to offer you a guest room. That’ll be three gold coins per night."
I tossed him the money without hesitation.
The chief called Mabel to lead us to our room. It was surprisingly well-furnished, with everything we needed—even a bath.
After resting for a while, Rin and I stepped out to explore.
By midday, the eerie silence of the village was even more pronounced. There were barely any people around, and the market stalls were pitiful. The vegetables were dry, some even rotten.
I stopped at a food stall and bought bread—it was hard as a rock. There weren’t any drinks, just murky water.
We ate anyway. We were just passing through.
When we returned to the chief’s house, he bowed.
"Honored traveler, I heard from Mabel that you purified her water with magic. Would you purify the village well? The water is contaminated, and people are falling ill."
I scoffed. "What do I look like? A charity worker?"
"Please, our village is crumbling. We need your help!"
"Not my problem. We’re leaving."
As I turned away, he spoke again. "We’ll pay you for your services."
I smirked, glancing back. I was low on funds after giving most of my earnings to Mom. And I needed money for the journey ahead.
"How much are we talking?"
"Twenty gold coins. That’s all we can afford."
"Fine. Show me the well."
A crowd had gathered by the time we arrived, some skeptical of my abilities. But when I purified the well, hushed whispers spread through the villagers.
I turned to the chief. "My payment, old man?"
His hands trembled slightly. "O-of course. Let’s return to my home for your reward."
Back at his house, his wives had prepared a feast.
"No thanks. We already ate. Just pay us, and we’ll be on our way," I said.
"Oh, please, dear traveler. Accept our meal as a token of gratitude," the chief insisted.
I sighed. "Fine."
Rin and I took a few bites.
Then I saw the chief smirking.
"Stupid boy!" he cackled. "The food was poisoned! Not only will you die, but I’ll have my way with the lovely lady beside you before she does!"
The pig of a man pulled down his trousers—his belly so large, his manhood was barely visible.
He reached for Rin—big mistake.
Before I could react, Rin’s fist smashed into his groin with enough force to make his family jewels pop.
He collapsed, howling in agony.
I rose to my feet, staring him down. "Did you really think your weak poison would work on us?"
His face twisted in horror. "W-who are you people?! That poison should have been instant death!"
I took a step closer, my voice dangerously low. "And you thought you could lay your filthy hands on my woman, you disgusting pig?"
His wives screamed, scrambling to flee.
I smirked, raising a hand as l conjured a barrier, trapping them inside.
The chief gasped. "P-please, have mercy!"
I chuckled darkly. "Mercy? The strong rule over the weak. And as a weakling, how you thought you’d do as you please with us was a great mistake."
I advanced, letting the weight of those words sink in, then l pulled my trousers off, letting my massive rod dangle down, half-erect. The man’s jaws dropped, as his women glanced at my dick with widened eyes.
I could see their SF levels rising just by staring at it.
I grinned. "As revenge for trying to kill us and touch my woman, I’d do as l please with your wives while you watch, old man!"
He gulped a whole lot of nothing as l turned my attention to the women.
"Strip naked and bend over!" I muttered deeply. "Both of you."
TBC